Thrive Society Maldives, a government-registered non-profit organization focused on community health and social issues, has launched a series of activities to mark World Mental Health Day. 

The main event was a full-day 'Mental Health A to Z Crash Course', covering common mental health conditions, Psychological First Aid (PFA), Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), and peer-support group facilitation. The programme, held at the Maldives Girl Guide Association premises, was conducted in collaboration with Ameliorate Academy. 

More than 50 people expressed interest in the workshop, with around 20 attending and 19 successfully certified after completing the required training hours. Several attendees travelled from islands outside Male' to take part, the organization notes. 

The sessions were led by Dr. Umar Ahmed Hussain Muhammad, Chairperson and Founder of Thrive Society and Ameliorate Academy, supported by Thrive officials and guest facilitator Ibrahim Asrar. The training included discussions, scenario-based role-play exercises and quizzes to assess participants' understanding. 

A mental health information booth was also set up at the venue, offering awareness materials and guidance from trained Thrive personnel. 

Thrive Society says it plans to expand similar training programmes to islands across the atolls in partnership with local councils and women's development committees. The NGO is also preparing to conduct an eight-hour specialized PFA training on October 17 in collaboration with Maldivian Red Crescent (MRC), following previous joint programmes with MRC and Mipstar.

The closing ceremony featured Aminath Shamha Abdulla, Vice President of Wellbeing NGO, who presented certificates to the newly certified participants.